It’s that time of year again... time to recharge, reflect and make resolutions for the upcoming year.
We have one resolution that will help you look great, feel great, save money, and spend more time with your loved ones - cook more meals at home!
Here are four reasons to sharpen this fabulous, life-long skill and make your 2017 resolution to cook more meals at home. Plus, cooking more meals at home will help you achieve your other resolutions!
Your Waistline Will Thank You
When it’s your kitchen, you’re in total control of your cooking. You decide where to buy your ingredients. You choose how much sugar, sodium or fats go into your meals. You have final say in the portion size. A 2016 Tufts University study found that nine out of 10 U.S. restaurants (both chain and non-chain) serve over-sized portions that exceed the recommended calorie limit for a single meal. Taking control of your meals means less waste and healthier, more balanced meals!
You’ll Save Money
Picking up a pizza. A quick stop at your favorite deli for lunch. A breakfast sandwich with your venti coffee. These little purchases can add up and put a big dent in your wallet over time. The average American eats four commercially prepared meals per week, which costs around $12.75 per person. That person will end up spending $2,570.40 on just eating out a year! Not to mention travel, gratuity, and other costs. Cooking at home can cost a fraction of going out, and you never have to worry about parking!
You’ll Save Time
We often hear people saying that they don’t have enough time to cook. It may sound counterintuitive, but cooking your meals at home will save time in the long run! Think about how much it takes to drive to a restaurant, wait for a table, place your order, and wait for your meal versus the time it takes you to prep and make a fantastic meal at home. Not too mention, between meal planning and prep, you could prep your whole week’s worth of meals in one day!
You’ll Be Closer to Your Family
Parents that involve their children in cooking are more likely to pass on healthy cooking and eating habits. Studies have shown that children that grow up in households where meals are eaten together perform better in school and are less likely to get involved in risky behaviors. Family dinners improve family dynamics by allowing time to slow down, appreciate each other’s company and reflect on their days.
